Royal Canin Recalled In South Africa

Royal Canin has recalled all its dry food for dogs and cats in South Africa, sold under the Vets Choice and Royal Canin labels, manufactured between March 8 and April 11 this year.

The company said tests had shown that some of the raw material "may have been contaminated".

This comes after 19 dogs in Johannesburg and Cape Town suffered acute kidney failure.

Meanwhile, two people whose pets died or became ill from contaminated pet food are taking action against two manufacturers.

About 35 dogs died earlier this year from ethylene glycol-contaminated food produced by Malmesbury-based Aquanutro, some of which was marketed by Woolworths.

A dog breeder from Paarl, who did not wish to be named, said he was pursuing legal action against Aquanutro after several of his dogs died.

Aquanutro MD Dirk van der Linde would not comment last night as, he said, he did not deal with business after hours.

Dog owner Theresa Peter-sen of Vredehoek said she had spent R1 000 on vet's bills when her dog became ill after eating Vets Choice. It showed symptoms such as excessive drinking, urination and lethargy.

The dog survived but had "a bit of kidney failure". Petersen said the food had been sent for testing and she would ask for the vet's bill to be paid if the food was contaminated.

Royal Canin SA has agreed to cover the costs of renal profile tests if Vets Choice is found to be contaminated. But, it said, "until such time as there is a conclusion to the tests, the liability of Royal Canin has not been established".

MD Gregory Watine said that as an act of good faith, Royal Canin would pay for renal profile tests, if the food was a Vets Choice product.

Another company, Hill's Pet Nutrition, has recalled its Prescription Diet m/d Feline, found to contain melamine. This batch had not yet been distributed in South Africa, said Hill's veterinary affairs manager Guy Fyvie.